Senators challenge PM, police

The NationFebruary 25, 2014 1:00 am

The deputy Senate speaker and 18 senators yesterday issued a statement of concern over the current political violence and called on caretaker Prime Minister Yingluck Shinawatra to show leadership in solving the problems.

This should be done "by coordinating with all parties, stressing public interest over personal interest", Deputy Senate Speaker Surachai Liengboon-lertchai told a press conference.

"The Senate, as the only remaining organisation in the legislative branch [following the House dissolution], condemns the people who committed violence as well as the commanders and people behind it as being too cruel and inhumane. They should stop doing [it]," Surachai said. "We call for police officers who are directly responsible for society's peace and order to do their best to protect people without any bias."

The senators called on all sides to avoid instigating problems and to join hands in solving them.

Public Health Ministry's permanent secretary Dr Narong Sahametapat and personnel at Siriraj Hospital mourned for the victims yesterday, condemned the wrongdoers and called on the government to take responsibility.

"From now on, public health personnel will come out to find a solution for the country," he said. At noon tomorrow, health personnel will hold activities to be joined by 800 hospitals, universities and public health agencies nationwide, he said, without elaborating.